The Effect of Mindfulness on Posttraumatic Growth of Mothers of Premature Infants Admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) on Posttraumatic Growth (PTG) in mothers of premature infants admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in Iran. Sixty mothers were selected by convenience sampling and assigned to the intervention and control groups. The intervention group received two MBSR sessions each week over the course of three weeks. The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) was used to collect data before, immediately after, and 1 month after the intervention. Based on repeated measures ANOVA, group-by-time interaction effect was significant and there was a statistically significant difference in the mean PTG scores of mothers in the two groups over time (p = 0.004). MBSR increased PTG in mothers. As a result, it is suggested that this approach be used in psychological support programs for mothers who have premature infants admitted to neonatal intensive care units.

Breastfeeding Increases the Expression of TLR4, TNF-α, CCL2, and CCL3 in the Prepuce Tissue of Neonates.

INTRODUCTION: Innate immunity plays a significant role in the tissue repair process. It is well documented that breastfeeding may alter immune responses. Thus, this study was designed to evaluate the effects of breastfeeding on the levels of TLR1-4, TNF-α, TGF-ß, CCL2, and CCL3 in the prepuce tissue of neonates. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was conducted on 90 samples of prepuce tissue obtained from neonates (45 neonates who were breastfed with human milk [HM] and 45 neonates who were not breastfed and received non-human milk [NHM]). The tissues were homogenized and mRNA levels of TLR1-4 and protein levels of TNF-α, TGF-ß, CCL2, and CCL3 were analyzed using Real-Time PCR and ELISA techniques, respectively. RESULTS: Protein levels of TNF-α, CCL2 and CCL3, and mRNA levels of TLR4 were significantly lower in the NHM neonates than in the HM neonates. There was a significant negative correlation between duration of pregnancy and mRNA levels of TLR1 in the NHM neonates. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that breastfeeding may be associated with the regulated expression of TLR4 and its related cytokines/chemokines and that it may improve wound healing and aid in the fight against pathogens.

Prevalence of dyslipidemia and its association with opium consumption in the Rafsanjan cohort study.

The potential effects of opium consumption on lipid profile remain unquantified. We considered the association between opium use and dyslipidemia. In this cross-sectional study, we used data obtained from the Rafsanjan cohort study, as a part of the prospective epidemiological research studies in IrAN (PERSIAN) with detailed and validated data on opium consumption and selected other exposures. A total of 9932 adults were included in the study. Logistic regression models were used to assess the relationships of opium consumption with the prevalence of dyslipidemia and lipid disorders. In this population, 73.33% had dyslipidemia and the prevalence rates of high TC, high TG, high LDL and low HDL were 54.24%, 47.45%, 34.43% and 11.91% respectively. After adjustment for all confounders, opium users compared with non-users had lower odds ratios (OR) of high TC and high LDL [0.81 (95% confidence interval, CI 0.71-0.92) and 0.80 (95% CI 0.69-0.93) respectively] and greater OR of low HDL [1.30 (95% CI 1.04-1.62)]. Longer duration of opium consumption resulted in lower ORs of high TC, 0.68 (95% CI 0.55-0.84) and high LDL, 0.82 (95% CI 0.67-0.99), and shorter duration of opium consumption resulted in increased odds of low HDL, 1.30 (95% CI 1.02-1.66). High dose of opium consumption was associated with an OR of dyslipidemia of 0.80 (95% CI 0.65-0.97), high TC of 0.80 (95% CI 0.67-0.95), and high LDL of 0.78 (95% CI 0.64-0.96) and low dose of opium consumption, with an OR of low HDL of 1.30 (95% CI 1.02-1.65). In relation to route of consumption, opium smoking was a risk factor for low HDL with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.31 (1.04-1.63). Opium use was associated with selected changes on serum lipid levels, but opium users had higher frequency of cardiovascular disease history.

The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Posttraumatic Stress of Mothers With Premature Neonates Admitted to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Mothers experience posttraumatic stress disorder with the birth of a premature neonate. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction on posttraumatic stress of mothers with premature neonates in Iran. Sixty mothers with premature neonates were selected by using convenience sampling and stratified random allocation. Mindfulness-based stress reduction was trained and mean posttraumatic stress disorder was measured. Mean posttraumatic stress scores of the 2 groups were statistically significant immediately and 1 month after the intervention (independent t test, P < .05). Posttraumatic stress of both groups reduced over time, but this reduction was more significant in the intervention group (repeated-measures analysis of variance, P < .05). Concerning the positive role of mindfulness-based stress reduction in posttraumatic stress disorder of mothers, it is recommended to use this approach in care programs of mothers with premature neonates.

The Effect of Kiwifruit Therapeutics in the Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcer.

Diabetes mellitus is considered a silent disease with possible late chronic complications such as diabetic foot ulcer. This condition is managed by surgical debridement. To improve surgical outcome, some surgeons use proteolytic agents after surgery. Kiwifruit contains a type of proteolytic enzyme called actinidin that may play a role in the treatment of such complication. In the current study, we evaluate the role of kiwifruit extract in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcer. Eighteen diabetic foot ulcer patients were included in a randomized, double-blind clinical trial. The patients were divided randomly to control and experimental groups. Patients in the control group underwent daily wound dressing using base ointment (Eucerin). In the experimental group, we added kiwifruit extract to the standard wound dressing. Clinical data including general appearance of wound (according to recorded photographs before and after medical intervention) were analyzed using SPSS version 22. The mean wound area of the experimental group was significantly less than in the control group (P = .005) after 4 weeks of treatment. Comparison of the average of size difference, before and after the treatment in the experimental group and the control group, shows that kiwifruit can have a good impact on wound healing (P = .0001). In patients with diabetic foot ulcer, wound dressing using kiwifruit extract may help reduce time of treatment and may replace surgical debridement for some selected cases.

Assessment of hormonal alterations in major depressive disorder: A clinical study.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a severe mood disorder that may lead to use of drugs, alcohol, and even suicide in acute cases. It has been shown that neurotransmitters and hormones have the same receptors and pathways in the mood area of the brain. Therefore, metabolic and biochemical changes are expected in MDD and, in such diseases, understanding the hormonal alterations would be extremely helpful in the management or treatment with hormone replacement therapy. We evaluated levels of cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), testosterone, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), free thyroxine index (FT4I), T3 resin uptake (T3RU), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) in 79 patients suffering from MDD and 71 healthy controls. The existence of MDD was confirmed by a face-to-face structured clinical interview. We started the investigation by taking a blood sample from the study population. Then, hormone levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Significant differences were found between TSH, FT4I, DHEA-S, ACTH, testosterone, and cortisol/DHEA-S ratio in MDD patients compared to the healthy controls. We also demonstrated a correlation between MDD recurrence and FT4I index and TSH, respectively. Regarding some hormonal changes in patients with MDD, hormonal shifts should be considered in the treatment or management of MDD patients.

The SDF-1α3'A genetic variation is correlated with susceptibility of asthma in Iranian patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Chemokine/receptor axis is a predominant actor of clinical disorders. They are key factors of pathogenesis of almost all clinical situations including asthma. Correspondingly, CXCL12 is involved in the immune responses. Therefore, this study was designed to explore the association between gene polymorphism at position +801 of CXCL12, known as SDF-1α3'A, and susceptibility to asthma in Iranian patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this experimental study, samples were taken from 162 asthma patients and 189 healthy controls on EDTA. DNA was extracted and analyzed for CXCL12 polymorphisms using PCR-RLFP. The demographic information was also collected in parallel with the experimental part of the study by a questionnaire which was designed specifically for this study. FINDINGS: Our results indicated a significant difference (P < 0.0001) between the A/A, A/G, and G/G genotypes and A and G alleles of polymorphisms at position +801 of CXCL12. We also showed an elevated level of CXCL12 circulating level in Iranian asthma patients. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that SDF-1α3'A (CXCL12) polymorphism plays a role in pathogenesis of asthma. It can also be concluded that circulatory level of CXCL12 presumably can be used as one of the pivotal biological markers in diagnosis of asthma.

Vitamin D status in female students and its relation to calcium metabolism markers, lifestyles, and polymorphism in vitamin D receptor.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D is essential for maintiiining bone health and growth throughout life. Vitamin D deficiency not only leads to bone metabolic diseases in children and adults but may increase the risk of many chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its relation with vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphism. In addition the study included the evaluation of known risk factors and their correlation to the vitamin D status among girls aged 11 - 17 years in Rafsanjan during the winter of 2009. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, 250 healthy female students (age range, 11 - 17 years) were selected by random sampling method. Fasting blood samples were collected and the concentration of serum 25 (OH) vitamin D3, PTH, ionized Ca, P, ALP, and VDR gene polymorphism (exon 9) were evaluated. Values of 20 nmol/L were considered severe, 20.1 - 37.5 nmol/L moderate, 37.6 - 50 nmol/L mild deficiency, and 25 (OH) vitamin D3 levels higher than 50 nmol/L were considered normal. RESULTS: The results showed 59.6% of students suffered from vitamin D deficiency (14.4% severe, 24.4% moderate, and 20.8% mild deficiency). There was a significant relationship between serum levels of vitamin D with ionized Ca, PTH, ALP, type of clothing, and egg consumption, while no significant relationship was found between serum levels of vitamin D with age, residency, menstruation status, skin color, sun light exposure, body mass index, waist to hip ratio, exercise, physical activity, fish consumption, and polymorphisms in exon 9 of VDR gene. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicated a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in female students in a sunny city, Rafsanjan in winter. Low sun light exposure, coverage especially veil, and low intake vitamin D are important factors in vitamin D deficiency in studied subjects.

Impact of opium on the serum levels of TGF-ß in diabetic, addicted and addicted-diabetic rats.

BACKGROUND: Several cells of immune system such as regulatory T cells and macrophages secrete transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) in response to different stimuli. This cytokine has inhibitory effect on immune system and diminished production of this cytokine is associated with autoimmune disorders. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of opium addiction on serum level of TGF-ß in male and female diabetic and non-diabetic Wistar rats. METHODS: This experimental study was performed on normal, opium addicted, diabetic and addicted-diabetic male and female rats. Serum level of TGF-ß was measured by ELISA. RESULTS: The results of our study indicated that the mean serum level of TGF-ß in female addicted rats was significantly increased compared to control group (p<0.004). Conversely, in male addicted rats the mean serum level of TGF-ß was lower compared with control (p<0.065). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that opium and its derivatives have differential inductive effects on the cytokine expression in male and female rats.

Survey of changes in complete blood count and red cell indices of whole blood incubated in vitro at different temperatures up to 48 hours.

BACKGROUND: Complete blood count (CBC) is one of the most common and conventional blood test that physicians usually request. However the results of this test are affected by different factors such as, the temperature and duration of incubation, therefore the aim of this survey was to evaluate the effect of temperature and time of incubation on CBC, red blood cells (RBC) indices and white blood cells (WBC) differential count. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, blood samples were taken from 30 healthy medical students of Rafsanjan University (15 males and 15 females). The samples divided into three parts; CBC were done on the samples up to 48 hours incubation at temperature of 25, 30, and 370 C at the time of sampling, and after 2, 8, 24 and 48 hours. Data were statistically analyzed and the following results were obtained. RESULTS: RBC count, hematocrit, MCH, percent of monocytes and eosinophils were constant in different temperatures, WBC count, MCHC, hemoglobin, platelets count, the percent of lymphocytes and neutrophils were constant up to 24 hours and then tend to increase with increasing temperature except lymphocytes percent that tend to decrease. MCV decreased with increasing temperature up to 8 hours and then significantly increased (from 83.89 to 87.50 fmol/l, p < 0.001). WBC, hematocrit, MCV, platelets count, and neutrophils' percent tend to increase by the time of incubation, but RBC count, MCHC, lymphocytes' percent decreased. Hemoglobin, MCH, and the percent of monocytes and eosinophils were constant. CONCLUSION: The finding of this survey showed that some of CBC parameters can be changed with the incubation, therefore it is better to do the CBC test after blood taking as soon as possible.